A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT recognizing the seagrove area as the birthplace of north carolina traditional pottery.
Whereas, the art of crafting traditional pottery in North Carolina began around 1750 in the Seagrove area, which today includes portions of Randolph, Chatham, Moore, and Montgomery Counties; and
Whereas, this craft has been carried on for 200 years and, in some cases, by people who represent the eighth and ninth generation of potters in their families; and
Whereas, early families of the Seagrove area associated with North Carolina traditional pottery included the Chriscoe, Cole, Craven, Luck, McNeill, Owen, and Teague families; and
Whereas, the pottery craft is a tradition that encompasses both aesthetic and utilitarian elements in its design; and
Whereas, the annual Seagrove Pottery Festival has become the premier traditional pottery event in the State; and
Whereas, during the festival, thousands of people are drawn to pottery displays, demonstrations of pottery making, and the pottery auction; and
Whereas, plans have been made to establish the Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery to preserve and perpetuate the history and tradition of North Carolina traditional pottery; and
Whereas the North Carolina Pottery Museum was established in 1998 to promote an awareness of the history and heritage of North Carolina pottery making traditions; and
Whereas, Seagrove is considered the State's pottery capital; and
Whereas, it is fitting to recognize the Seagrove area as the birthplace of North Carolina traditional pottery; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑23. State birthplace of traditional pottery.
The Seagrove area, including portions of Randolph, Chatham, Moore, and Montgomery Counties, is designated as the official location of the birthplace of North Carolina traditional pottery."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.